Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
Alaska DEC Suing Operators Of Outdoor Wood-Powered Boilers In Fairbanks
Pollution from two outdoor wood boilers in Fairbanks has resulted in the state filing suit against the operators. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is suing Andrew and Gloria Straughn to halt operation of the boilers at rental properties they own in a neighborhood near Wood River Elementary School.
Parnell Administration To Introduce New Oil Tax Reform Legislation
The Parnell administration is poised to introduce oil tax reform legislation again. Previous attempts have failed to gain enough support to pass the state legislature. The new bill was previewed for the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. It incorporates some ideas raised in recent year’s discussions.
Analyst Alleges Mismanagement Of TAPS
A new report by independent oil industry analyst Richard Fineberg alleges mismanagement of the Trans Alaska Pipeline. It centers on recent years incidents in which pigs, mechanical devices used to inspect and clean the inside of the pipeline, failed to show up where operators expected.
New Book Explores Frontier Mythology
A new book by Judy Kleinfeld of Fairbanks explores a mythology often lived out in Alaska. “The Frontier Romance” looks at why people head north to carve out an existence off the beaten track.
Fairbanks On Track For Worst December Air Quality On Record
Fairbanks is on track for the worst December air quality on record. Cold stagnant conditions combined with emissions from heating and other sources are resulting in fine particulate pollution in excess of federal standards. With more extreme cold in the forecast, the prognosis isn’t good.
Doyon Readies For Exploration
Doyon is seeking permits to mobilize for oil and gas exploration work in the Yukon Flats and Nenana Basin. The permits for cross country travel are out for public comment.
Final Chen Case Resolved
A Ft. Wainwright based soldier implicated in a hazing case is being discharged from the Army. Lieutenant Daniel L. Schwartz is the last of 8 Stryker Brigade members charged related to physical and verbal abuse that resulted in the suicide of an army private last year in Afghanistan.
State Commission Challenges Park Service Hearings
A state commission is taking issue with the number of public hearings scheduled by the National Park Service on proposed regulations that would block some state sport hunts for bears, wolves and coyotes in several national preserves.
Friends Not Giving Up on Missing Wilderness Instructor
Friends of missing wilderness survival instructor Thomas Seibold haven’t giving up hope of finding him. The search for the 31-year old German outdoorsman officially ended in November, but those who know him say there’s reason to resume looking.
Preliminary Engineering Underway For Susitna Watana Dam
Preliminary engineering is underway for the proposed Susitna Watana hydro electric dam. The state has hired Colorado based MWH Global to develop designs for the project, which would provide rail belt power.
Technology Research Thrives at UAF
Meeting in Fairbanks, UA regents received an update yesterday (Thurs) on a range of research going on at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. As KUAC Dan Bross reports, technology is at the center of activity.
Randall and Diggins Ski to Team Sprint Victory
Anchorage’s Kikkan Randall teamed with Jessie Diggins of Minnesota to win a World Cup team sprint race in Quebec City, Canada today. It’s the first ever World Cup gold for a U.S. women’s cross country relay team.
Park Service Pushes Back Against Some Interior Sport Hunts
The National Park Service continues to push back against some state sport hunts in the Interior. It’s the latest skirmish in a battle over state and federal authority on preserves designated by the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
Fairbanks Students Lead Effort To Raise Awareness Of Distracted Driving
The danger of distracted driving is the target of a public outreach effort by a Fairbanks high school class.
University Aims To Rein In Health Care Plan Costs
The University of Alaska, is looking at health care plan changes. The university covers over 80 percent of the cost of health insurance for about 4,000 employees. Many of the plan changes are aimed at reining in costs, which are rising 7 to 10 percent a year.
Electricity Rates Dropping In Fairbanks
Electricity rates are coming down in the Fairbanks area. Golden Valley Electric customers from Delta Junction to Fairbanks and Healy will see their bills drop 11 to 13 percent, depending on service level as of Dec. 1. Golden Valley is benefiting from additional power from Anchorage – natural gas fired energy that’s less expensive than oil generated electricity in Fairbanks.
Delegation Pushes To Protect Eielson Air Force Base
Alaska’s Congressional delegation is pushing defense authorization bill amendments aimed at protecting Eielson Air Force base from downsizing.
Snow Levels Low Around The State
Many Alaska locations are ending up the month with minimal snow. National Weather Service climate data shows Fairbanks and Anchorage 13 inches below normal, with 6 inches on the ground in Fairbanks and just 2 in Anchorage.
State Awards Emergency Food Supply Contract
The state has awarded a contract for an emergency food supply. Anchorage based Select Medical Products Incorporated is the recipient of a $4 million, five-year contract from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
‘Fairbanks Four’ Supporters Looking Beyond Recent Court Ruling
Supporters of four men imprisoned for the 1997 murder of a Fairbanks teen are looking beyond a recent favorable court ruling. Eugene Vent, George Frese, Kevin Pease and Marvin Roberts are serving multi-decade prison sentences for killing John Hartman. There was no physical evidence tying the men to the beating attack, and the case has long drawn questions about whether justice was served. The latest ruling involves an appeal by one of the convicted men.